Ex-UBS Executive Wants To Give Evidence In Underage Escort Trial

Juerg Buergin, a former UBS executive, must face trial on charges he paid for sex with an underage prostitute in Singapore, a judge ruled.

Based on the evidence presented, the prosecution 'has satisfied every ingredient of the charge', Singapore subordinate courts judge Eddy Tham said at a hearing Monday.

Bloomberg reports that Buergin, 41, entered a not guilty plea to two charges of paying for sex with an underage prostitute at the Shangri-La Hotel in September 2010 and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in January 2011. The woman, now 20, was 17 at the time of the alleged offenses, according to prosecutors.

'I wish to give evidence', Buergin said after being advised by the judge that he can remain silent or testify in his defense.

The Swiss national is the first of 51 men charged by police with paying for sex with the woman to stand trial. At least 18 men, including a member of the Shaw family that built an Asian movie production and real estate empire, have been convicted and jailed for as long as 16 weeks after admitting to paying for sex with a minor. Prosecutors said about 30 men may challenge the charges against them and stand trial.